Iona College lacrosse head coach Michelle Mason announced the appointment of seniors Bernadette Gennaro (Archbishop Carroll) and Meghan Testoni as team captains for the upcoming 2015 season.

“I am thrilled to announce Bernadette and Testoni as captains for our 2015 season, said Mason. “Bern and Meg lead by example, motivate their teammates, and are determined to have an outstanding senior season. The pride they possess for being Gaels and their commitment to their teammates will undoubtedly leave a positive mark on our program and set up our future leaders for success.”

In 16 games a year ago, Gennaro registered a career high 14 points on 12 goals and two assists. She was additionally credited with 12 ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Testoni started all 16 games for the Maroon & Gold in 2014, accounting for 31 points on 20 goals and 11 assists. She finished second on the team with 14 caused turnovers and third on the squad with 21 ground balls. In 46 career games, Testoni has scored 50 goals and assisted on 22 more. Meghan is a two-time MAAC Academic Team selection and earned All-MAAC Second Team honors as a sophomore in 2013.

“We are excited about the captains this year they bring different qualities to help lead this program,” said Wescott. “Emily is our brain, Ally our heart, and Gracie our soul. Together they bring so many elements to the team and work well with everyone involved in our program. They have shown that they want more for the team, and want more from the team.”

Stathius, a four-year starter out of Delran, N.J., led in assists (14) and overall points (39) for the Hawks last season. In her sophomore year she was one of three Hawks to start all 20 games and earned second Team conference honors. As a freshman she appeared in all 20 games at midfield, starting in 10. Stathius, an education major, earned conference academic honors in 2012 and 2014.

“Ally works hard every day to better her game and competes for every ball in every drill,” said Wescott. “She controls our midfield play and is a big part of our draw unit.”

Barbieri, a product of Parsippany, N.J., ranked second in assists (12) and fourth for overall points (23) for the Hawks last season on attack. She played in all 20 games as a sophomore, starting in 10. In the 2012 Championship final Barbieri broke a tie for the win over Bryant and earned two assists in MU’s appearance in the NCAA tournament versus Navy. In her first year at MU she appeared in 11 games, starting in three. Barbieri majors in history with an intention of earning her master’s in education.

“Emily understands lacrosse inside and out and controls so many things on the field especially on our attacking end,” said Wescott.

Williams, a four-year defender from Reston, Va., ranked fourth in ground balls during the 2014 season. In 2013 she saw action in all of MU’s 20 games, starting in 10 and was named to the 2013 All-Tournament Team after the Hawks’ Championship win over Bryant. Williams made 17 appearances as a freshman, starting in three. As a major in education, she earned 2013 conference academic honors.

“Gracie is our motivator and often pumps the team up when needed,” said Wescott. “Her communication to the team and in our defense is essential.”

The Blue and White make their spring debut against Lafayette University February 14th at Monmouth Stadium in West Long Branch.